Member Article

Businesses encouraged to explore woodfuel

North East woodland initiative organisation Northwoods, is trying to help businesses tap into the growing woodfuel sector in the North Pennines.

The North Pennine Dales Woodfuel Project aims to work with established businesses to promote the development of a high quality woodfuel supply network in the region.

Training courses, free one-to-one business support and dedicated technical guidance to promote adoption of quality assurance.

Project Director John Farquhar said: “This is a unique opportunity for woodfuel businesses to take advantage of a free service to promote, professionalise and improve their businesses.

“The North Pennine Dales area has a fantastic woodfuel resource available ready to be sold to customers in surrounding areas. We hope to support a significant number of businesses through this project.”

Use of woodfuel has expanded rapidly, especially in rural communities, driven be rising fossil fuel prices and Government incentives and increasing environmental awareness.

Stanhope based firewood suppliers County Durham Logs have already seen benefits in the sector.

Partner Peter Taylor, said: “Having installed our own stove the year previously and following discussion about the growing demand for woodfuel we decided to give the firewood business a go. The cold winter of 2010 quickly confirmed the huge demand for logs.

“We have built up a very loyal customer base and believe demand for woodfuel will definitely continue to grow.”

The business has since invested in machinery, backed by £8,136 towards tractor with timber crane through the RDPE bioeNErgy programme, and expanded to offer woodland management services.

Ian Everard from the Forestry Commission added: “There is a massive opportunity for business to help create rural regeneration and jobs. And with up to 50% of woodlands in the North East under-managed, there is plenty of potential to develop a good and sustainable supply of local timber.

“It’s a win-win situation for the economy and the environment.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .